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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Fox Co-Chairman Tom Rothman Talks AVATAR: "Coolest Shit I've Ever Seen"

Not that we need anything more 'verbally' to get excited about AVATAR, but this is a very frank discussion with Tom Rothman, the co-chairman of Fox and IESB that I thought you should be made aware of. Special thanks to MarketSaw reader "Darkoo" who alerted me. The emphasis below is mine:

IESB: You mentioned Avatar, everything that we are hearing about it, it sounds great but it also sounds SO expensive, and a lot has to do with the investment in the technology to make the film. At the same time, is it because you hope to use the technology on other stuff too?
TR: Yes, but I guess I should say that I won't comment on the exact budget except to say that as always with Jim [Cameron] everything is misreported, everything is exaggerated, because he is larger than life and so everything surrounding him tends to be larger than life. While it's obviously an expensive movie, it's not an unprecedented expensive movie and it's not even the most expensive movie we've made at the company and certainly not close to the most expensive movie that's been made in the business recently. But, it is in absolute terms a costly undertaking, is because it's an entirely revolutionary technology. It will be a movie unlike anything audiences have ever seen. And, genuinely brand new, genuinely unlike anything that has ever been seen and that's hard to do and that isn't cheap.

IESB: And it's an original film, it's not based on a comic book or other material...
TR: It's an entirely original film, it's not a television show, it's not a comic book, it's a thing that all of the punditocracy, all of the media and the audience cry out for, true originality. And yes, you never know and I wouldn't presume now, but the idea is, Jim Cameron tends to make hits and if the movie is a hit then this is the beginning, certainly for both the use of the technology and the work, it's not going to stop here. So, there's long term value to it as well.

IESB: So, potentially, this is a franchise?
TR: If it does well, yes, absolutely, in terms of an arena a whole new world. But for us, it isn't any of that, it isn't even the technology, it isn't even the look and the world all of which is the coolest shit I've ever seen, it isn't even any of that, it's that it's a great story. It's just a great story. You read the story and you are gripped by every page, it's just a great, original story with tremendously, classic emotional value. So, at the end of the day, that's really what we're here for, to try and make great stories when you can find them.

So, very potential sequels and as we all knew - a great story! IESB may have more to read about AVATAR in the coming days - I will keep you posted.


Source: IESB

Pixar's "John Carter Of Mars" To Be In 3D?

Someone is not eating the right catfood...

We know that ALL of Disney's and Pixar's future tentpole animations will be made in 3D, so when AWN asked the very pointed question of whether JOHN CARTER OF MARS would be in fact 3D, Pixar General Manager Jim Morris quiped: "I hope not!"

Huh?

For those curious cats out there, JOHN CARTER OF MARS is an Edgar Rice Burroughs classic book that centers on a Civil War veteran who gets taken to Mars and the adventures ensue.

He goes on to say when asked about whether it is strictly animation or a blend with Live Action: "JOHN CARTER is in its very early stages and there is much to figure out about that so we'd be premature."

"We are looking at a variety of different approaches and techniques for that ... We're kind of a bit early in the development of that."

"I'm sure I speak for all of the science fiction geeks, fans and aficionados when I say it's finally time to see that movie. And I, for one, am delighted that Andrew Stanton is the guy that's making the movie, because he's a story-driven guy."

Hmmm. Story is great and all that, but me thinks that Mr. Morris is going to get squirted with the ol' Pixar water gun soon. Real soon. 3D is it dude.


'Marvel'ous Updates: Iron Man 2 Set For May 7th, 2010: Still No Word On 3D

Jim here guys. On the day that IRON MAN is being released on disc, Marvel has come forward with a far amount of info for all super hero fans:

1. IRON MAN 2 is pegged for May 7th, 2010 - Top stars return as well as Jon Favreau to helm.
2. IRON MAN 3 is planned.
3. THOR is slated for July 16th, 2010 - Kenneth Branagh confirmed to direct.
4. THE FIRST AVENGER: CAPTAIN AMERICA is to bow on May 6th, 2011
5. THE AVENGERS will pack the theaters on July 15th, 2011

Between IRON MAN and THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Marvel stands to make $140 million in profit from a box office take of $824 million worldwide. No wonder this slate is somewhat aggressive - and they just inked a new distribution deal with Paramount that place them on equal footing with such franchises as Indiana Jones and Dreamworks Animations.

Again, no word on whether any of these films will be shot in 3D despite rumors from Jon Favreau himself.

I don't know about you, but this lineup that Marvel has well, lined up, is stunning. I see nothing but success for these guys - they have earned it. THE AVENGERS will be nothing short of spectacular if they have the story to match the heroes.

Source: Variety





3D Geek Alert: Fujifilm's 3D Consumer Camera In Development

Thanks to Tim W. for sending in this item! A very cool consumer grade 3D camera may well be hitting the shelves soon by way of Fujifilm. They have a 2 lens camera but that is not the only component being waved around - they have also introduced a 3D digital photo frame and 3D print technology. They are calling the whole thing the "FUJIFILM FinePix Real 3D System".

Why on earth would they include the word "Real" when there is already a rather large going concern known as "Real D" also involved in 3D technologies (and have a consumer arm as well) is beyond me. Perhaps looking for publicity through a lawsuit? There is sure to be corrective action taken with that I assume.

Regardless, the technology looks very interesting in that they are offering the full meal ticket from camera to frame to photos. The idea is to have it all work seamlessly and simply for the average consumer. I think they are on to something!

Let's hope we hear more about this technology (probably with a different name next time) and be able to check them out at a CES show sometime soon.

Sources: DPReview via Wired

3D Geek Alert: Check Out Your Twitter And RSS Feeds In 3D

Interesting little web app called Tweet 3D - check out http://www.tweet3d.com/?twitterid=jimdorey and type in your Twitter username in the top right box. If you don't have an account - go to www.twitter.com and sign up! Looks like you cannot link directly to your cloud though - perhaps that is coming soon.

If you are on Twitter - Add me! My Twitter username for MarketSaw is jimdorey. You can also see my updates here.

Also for all you RSS news feeder types check out http://rssvoyage.com/ and check out the cool 3D interface. Makes reading your news feeds much more "logical" to me. Use your scroll wheel to negotiate through the stories in chronological order. Of course you can customize what feeds you receive.

And if you haven't already subscribed to MarketSaw - get on it! Here is our RSS link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/Marketsaw

Now imagine what these applications will look like in TRUE 3D! You bet - it's coming, just a matter of time...

Monday, September 29, 2008

3D Screens Set To Explode Across Country: Studios To Ante Up $1B

Who wants to see this man in 3D? Well if Favreau and Marvel come on board, it looks like the screens will be in place to make it happen!

Jim here. The Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP) including AMC, Regal and Cinemark theater chains will be rolling out 15,000 digital upgrades for their screens
over the next 3 years. And now, it will soon be official that the studios (Disney, Paramount, Universal and Fox - with Sony and Warner Bros soon to be involved) will be paying a virtual print fee (VPF) to the chains for several years to make this happen.

From THR: "The deal means studios will pay a majority of the roughly $100,000 per system in hardware and installation costs to install d-cinema equipment in theaters operated by the biggest theater chains. That will facilitate not only digital projection in the converted auditoriums but potentially also 3-D exhibition, if the theater owners decide to take on the extra, more modest expense for 3-D installations on their own. "


For those who don't know, a print fee was the amount that a studio would have had to pay to print copies of their films for traditional movie screens. Now that so many movies are in digital format, there is no need to print thousands of copies and distribute those heavy canisters - they are simply downloaded to computer hard drive for the projectors.


To me, the digital experience is so much more cleaner and brighter it is a no-brainer. Not to mention that it is much more environmentally friendly to distribute digitally.


Moreover, this allows for the rapid deployment of modern 3D projection equipment
which depends on these digital screens being in place. If you will remember, there are existing deals with Regal,
Cinemark and the NATO Cinema Buying Group with Real D to get this done as soon as the digital infrastructure is in place.

Well the time is now!
With $1 billion coming from the studios (backed by JP Morgan) we will see a rapid expansion of digital AND 3D implementations very soon. The first areas to see the change will be the mid and large markets for pragmatic reasons, but other smaller areas are that much closer to getting 3D screens because of this rather large group hug that the studios and chains are giving each other. 3000 screens are expected to be upgraded to digital in the next year.


Awesome!
If there was any doubt that 2009 will be the YEAR
OF 3D, they will soon be obilterated. It is looking pretty darn good that AVATAR will have the screens it needs in December 2009 now and maybe, we will see RDJ in that 3D red and gold suit of his - lets get those screens converted!! :-)

Image courtesy of Marvel

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Lost A Great One Today...

I wish more today would aspire to him


Rest in peace Mr. Newman and godspeed to cancer researchers everywhere.

Friday, September 26, 2008

More "Alice In Wonderland" Set Pics! Mia, Helena and Tim...

Hey guys - Jim here. Got some more great shots from the ALICE IN WONDERLAND set here for you - take a look! Tim Burton, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter (with daughter - who is an extra?? - dressed that way...)

May I say - AWESOME wardrobe choices. And the set locale looks outstanding as well for this shoot!

For more shots - check out the INF Daily site.

Can anyone make out the camera configuration they are using in that shot?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

FATHOM Update: Megan Fox Signs On With... Fox?

According to iesb.net, Megan Fox has signed on to the 20th Century Fox property FATHOM which has been under the auspices of James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment for some time now. The project has now been shifted over to Fox Atomic now however. What does this mean? Will the lack of Cameron's touch remove any hope of 3D from this project?

From the site: "The studio is currently (on the lookout for) several writers to bring aboard to revamp the script as a vehicle for Megan Fox, who, our source says, has officially signed onto the project this week. Fox is set to play the lead character of Aspen.

The comic book is centered around the character of Aspen, the central character in the Fathom universe, Aspen Matthews continues to search for clues from her past in order to balance the turmoil between the two world's she's inhabited. Stepping off the Paradise cruise ship in 1984, Aspen was adopted by the naval officer Captain Matthews and subsequently raised under his supervision. She flirted with Olympic gold in Seoul in 1988 before controversy washed away his swimming career. Instead focusing on earning multiple degrees in Marine Biology, Aspen became an expert in her field and earned her a position on the DMD, or Deep Marine Discovery. It was at the DMD where Aspen's tumultuous journey with the race of The Blue began. After defeating the renegade leader Killian and ending the Blue Sun incident, Aspen was captured by the mysterious race known as The Black."

Oh man, I hope 3D immigrates with the project - this is yet another awesome opportunity to highlight the visual excellence that 3D provides, especially in underwater scenarios.

As a related side note: I use ARIAL font for all my posts. (Yeah, I know. It's spelled Ariel.)

"Battle Angel" Swims With Dolphins

Hi - Michael here.  James Cameron has a history of using code names for his films under development. These decoy titles help disguise his projects from prying eyes.  For instance, Titanic was called "Planet Ice" early in production, Avatar was "Project 880", and now, according to the website of concept artist Mark Goerner, Cameron's Battle Angel is "Dolphin Project".


Goerner, who did "extensive development of characters, vehicles, sets, cities, and infrastructures" on Battle Angel, is a truly amazing artist.  If you are a fan of great artwork with huge scope, I urge you to check out his site here.  I really, really hope we all get to see some of Mark's work on Battle Angel at some future date.

Anyway, what do you all think of the code name?  As a huge Battle Angel fan, I (at first thought, at least) see no relation between the story of the manga and dolphins.  Any readers out there who can help shed some light on this code name?

Quick Post: Zemeckis and Carrey Talk "Christmas Carol"

Hey everyone, Michael here.  Movieweb has an interesting article detailing Disney's presentation of Bob Zemeckis' 3-D performance capture A Christmas Carol at today's Walt Disney Studios Showcase event at the Kodak Theater.  While no footage was shown, both Zemeckis and Carol star Jim Carrey had a lot to say about the film. Some snippets:

Zemeckis: "It is one of the greatest time travel tales ever written. A Christmas Carol has never been shown on film the way it was intended. This is the perfect story for this new motion capture technology.”

Carrey: "Robert Zemeckis has come in and freed up the process. He has revolutionized Motion capture...I loved being the king in Robert’s virtual kingdom."

Also, /Film has a photo of the first official banner for the film.  Hopefully we will soon get to see some of the concept art, paintings, props and models that were on display!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Burton's Alice In Wonderland: Johnny Depp Will Be CGI Only AND More Set Photos

It seems like the rumors could be true: Security guards on the set of Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND have repeated that Johnny Depp will only be appearing in the movie as a CGI character - that character of course will be the Mad Hatter. This is getting interesting as Burton has a certain twisted way of representing his characters on screen to begin with, but add on the infinite palate of CGI and well, you can only imagine what he has in store for us.

Also we are treated to some more set photos (the first set photo was here) for the movie - this time from St. Austell, Cornwall where they are setting up for tomorrow's shoot. If you wish to see the photos in their entirety check out this page where the photographer placed rather large 'watermarks' all over them. Not my style, but oh well - enjoy!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Simon Pegg And Nick Frost As The Thomson Twins In Tintin?

Jim here. Looks like Steven Spielberg has set his sights on Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the Thompson Twins for his $130 million mocap 3D adventure TINTIN:

From The Sunday Times:

"...Pegg is in Hollywood, having just finished work on his latest film, "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People", when he gets a call saying Steven Spielberg would like to meet him.

So he trots over to the motion-capture set for the ET director’s latest project - the first in a trilogy of Tintin movies. Motion-capture sets are bizarre, empty places. The event has been shot and is held in a computerised camera, which allows the director to swoop around the scene. As a result, there is only a computer guy and Spielberg sitting there.

Steven’s smoking a stogy, cap on head, like he’s always been since I was a baby,” Pegg says, shaking his head in wonder. “I shook his hand and chatted about films. He gave me the mo-cap [motion-capture] camera, and I had a play around with it. Then he said, ‘Hey, maybe you and Nick Frost could play the Thompson Twins.’ In Tintin. A Spielberg movie. To work with him is beyond .. . ” He trails off, lost for words."

I am a big fan of Simon Pegg and to have him in this picture just shot its upside up further in my books! Let's hope it happens and it is officially announced soon. You'll hear more when I get it...

Via /Film

Monday, September 22, 2008

Disney's 3D Animation "Bolt": New Extended Trailer

Jim here. Here is the new extended trailer for Disney's BOLT, a 3D animation coming our way on November 21st. I've got to say - it looks pretty darn funny.


There are a couple of spots where they may have injected objects coming at you - but no more than any other comedy animation in my estimation. As the hamster is flying at the audience you get a sense that in 3D, it may be head ducking time - but I did NOT notice this during the first viewing of the 2D trailer - so it is subtle. You can watch this is 2D and it would seem like a normal movie. The scene where the gas canister launches itself out the door is much more off to the side than straight at the viewer however - there should not be a "ducking effect" associated with it while viewing in 3D.

I think the studios have gotten smart about 3D "duck" trickery and will use it sparingly even in animations and horror which begs to use it. But we shall see who has learned what soon won't we?

Aside from that comment, I see a well made Disney movie. Travolta's voice seems right at home and the animation quality is there. I like how it is shaping up!




Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince WIll Have 3D Coming And Going!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: IMAX is doing the 2D to 3D conversions say one of MarketSaw's readers - Dan, aka 3DFool who also has a 3D related website here


Hey all - Jim here. It looks like "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" (HPHBP) will have about a total of 25 minutes of 3D content that will be taking place in the opening scenes as well as the ending of the movie.

The HPHBP 3D scenes will be converted from 2D to 3D and I am not sure who is doing this work actually. I will try and dig this up - if you happen to know, drop me a note.

HPHBP is slated for a July 17th, 2009 release.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Spielberg & Jackson Need A Tin Cup For Tintin!

** UPDATE: Sep 20th - Paramount offers a proposal to Spielberg and Jackson to fund the entire movie. Read more.


**SAME DAY UPDATE: Dreamworks closes Reliance deal and Spielberg & Geffen leave Paramount on good terms. Story here.

Wow. This is a stunner. And no, Spielberg and Jackson don't really want 50% of the box office - I am just exaggerating!

With the obvious worldwide infatuation for TINTIN and arguably two of the best directors on the planet attached you would think that the sky's the limit for budgetary concerns.
NOT. Universal has balked at the final budget of $130 million
($30 million already spent on scripts, character design and initial animation and 3-D tests by Paramount) and now the two heavyweights are on the horn to other financial backers looking to resolve this crisis. Paramount and Universal were originally going to split the production costs.

I am stunned. Really. Superior content with superior direction and it can't get financed? Most people know that during down times the entertainment industry holds it's own if not even doing slightly better than normal - if you can call today's economic crisis more than a blip in the grand scheme of things.

Apparently the directors have already shown Paramount what Tintin would look like via a ten minute reel produced by Jackson's Weta. Looks like perhaps the percentage take by the directors is a little too much to chew for Universal?


Take a look at this from the LA Times:
"According to several people close to the project, "Tintin" would have to rake in $425 million worldwide in ticket sales before the studios could break even. The reason: Spielberg and Jackson, who would also produce both movies, would together grab about 30% of the studio's total gross revenue from box-office, DVD, television and other sales. Under that scenario, the pair would walk away with more than $100 million before Universal and DreamWorks could make a profit."

Wow. That's a lot of cash stuffed into those directorial tin cups! To top it off, Spielberg will have to deal with Paramount where he is reportedly dealing with severing ties with them (along with Geffen).


But hey - look. I am with Spielberg and Jackson on this one. It is their baby. We all know that the success of the films are practically written in stone, especially in the international circuit. It's a billion dollar franchise and they know it. I don't see 30% as being high enough to back out, but that is just me isn't it? It is not my money. It is going to look damn good in 3D though!

Source: LA Times


"Meatballs" Voice Cast Forecast

Michael here.  Variety announced tonight that Bill Hader and Anna Faris have signed on to voice the two lead characters of Sony Pictures Animation's 3-D adaptation Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

Hader will voice Flint Lockwood, "a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life." Faris plays Sam Sparks, "a weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior."


James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T and Tracy Morgan fill out the voice cast.

This should be a lot of fun.  Tons of potential for amazing visuals!

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs rolls onto 3-D screens January 15, 2010

Thursday, September 18, 2008

First Look: Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland Set Costumes!

**UPDATE: Sep 19th - Have been reading some interesting blogs about the behind the scenes tribulations of wearing period costumes on the AIWL set: 


"Filming is progressing slowly and each day is much the same because they are concentrating on the tea-party scene. The girls are all having problems with the tight corsets though, and 2 have been sent home because of it. For Nikki she has welts down her ribs and is finding it hard to breathe without pain, and her corset is actually broken. She is in a lot of discomfort and the costume dressers tried padding her out, but the damage is already done. She's going to dose herself up with painkillers tonight and take some with her tomorrow. She is also going to take a couple of her own corsets in to see if one of them can be worn instead. She desperately doesn't want to be sent home, but 14 hours in that state isn't pleasant!!!

She says that no matter what, she's not giving up on this opportunity though."

Stick at it girl. You can find this blog right here.

Hey guys - Jim here. Just got a new set photo of what the period costumes look like for ALICE IN WONDERLAND - the new Tim Burton 3D live action movie being filmed right now at Antony House near Torpoint, UK.

Apparently Johnny Depp who is thought to be the taking on the role of the Mad Hatter is not at the location, much to the dismay of the hundreds of extras who turned up in an attempt to be included in the classic adaptation. Indeed a new rumor has the entire role being captured in CGI, perhaps with Depp's voice attached. Only 250 or so of the extras got to be chosen.


From The Herald:
"Between 600 and 700 people, ranging from actors, extras, cameramen and production staff, are believed to be operating at the site. Hundreds of cars park in a field converted to a make-shift car park. Adjacent to them are large trailers presumably used for wardrobe fittings and catering and hospitality. Big, burly – but nonetheless friendly – security guards line the site like a human brick wall."

For the full story and a video of a reporter interviewing extras waiting in line check this out.

Its nice to see the first glimpse of the set and what the costumes will be like, but we need more than this! Will someone from Plymouth or thereabouts send me more photos of the set - anything that is still, take a photo of it and anything moving - take a video for me! :-)

Source: The Herald

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Quick Post: Fifteen 3D Ready Programs on Blu-ray Disc Coming

Naperville, Ill. (September 15, 2008) -- TDVision Systems, Inc., the leader in design and development of 3D digital infrastructures and visualization systems, announces today the release of high-definition 3D ride films library by MagicPlay Entertainment in the TDVision's TDVCodec format on Blu-ray™ beginning later this year. The news was announced today by Manuel Gutierrez, CEO of TDVision Systems, Inc. and Shelley Praamsma, International Business Director of MagicPlay.


The TDVCodec is ready to bring 3D cinema experiences from movie theaters to home. We are passionate making all of this possible with our innovative software and applications. We believe consumers will soon be able to enjoy 3D films at home in real cinema quality,” said Shelley Praamsma, International Business Director of MagicPlay Entertainment.


The Chinese Entertainment Powerhouse MagicPlay and TDVision collaborated on this project due to high consumer demand. TDVision Systems is a contributing member to SMPTE, ATSC, 3DConsortium and 3D@Home Task Forces charged with the standardization and mass adoption of 3D in the home.


We are meeting a historic window of opportunity for mass adoption of 3D in the home,” said Manuel Gutierrez, CEO of TDVision Systems Inc., speaking from the SMPTE 3D Task Force meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. “This move will simplify the decision for consumers. One will only need to buy a single Blu-ray disc that works in 2D as well as in 3D and plays back on all 3D ready televisions in the highest resolution possible including DLP, LCD, and LaserVue televisions,” he continued.


This was a perfect collaboration for TDVision and MagicPlay. China has one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. The global entertainment industry is expected to show an annual growth of 10% in the next four years and this first set of Blu-ray discs will help to demonstrate feasibility for massive 3D adoption at home, brought to you by TDVision, ” said Ethan Schur, Marketing Director for TDVision Systems, Inc.


About TDVision:

TDVision Systems, Inc. is the owner of several 3D-related patents for proprietary system architectures, which will propel a media breakthrough by providing true 3D through means of this new digital technology. This technology allows the acquiring, emulation and processing of a 3D image from a video stream or computer-generated image. The architecture also allows the use of current existing infrastructures, and with the addition of TDVision’s hardware, enables true 3D in High Definition.


About MagicPlay:

MagicPlay Entertainment is a private company based in Los Angeles, China and Taiwan. MagicPlay and its partners are fully integrated multinational companies specializing in 3-D and 4-D cinematic experiences. MagicPlay has installed over 75 attractions and theme parks and are the production and the distributor of 2-D, 3-D, 4-D attraction films, with over 40 films. MagicPlay and its partners are engaged in producing 3D, 4D special effect and animated films with an annual production of 4 to 6 new films providing simulation and three-dimensional visual experiences to family and theme park goers. Today, MagicPlay and its partners are fully equipped with Blu-ray authoring and encoding and is self severed with Blu-ray distribution. MagicPlay is going to debut the first ever 3D films in Blu-ray format together with TDVision Systems, Inc.

# # #

TDVision Systems, Inc.

www.tdvision.com

www.tdvalliance.com

info@tdvision.com


Full disclosure: TDVision is a sponsor of MarketSaw

Saldana: "Avatar" Pickup Shots Planned

Michael here. Avatar star Zoe Saldana told fashion site Glam.com that she is scheduled to resume work on Avatar some time after shooting crime thriller Bone Deep with Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen:

GlamBlush: What's next for you after Fashion Week?

Zoe Saldana: Work. I have to go back and do a film called Bone Deep. Then I have to go back to Mr. James Cameron and finish Avatar, so I’m back to work. This was actually my work/vacation, and I’ve had a blast!

We have known that Cameron, utilizing his cutting edge Facial Performance Replacement (FPR) process, has been tweaking dialogue without requiring his actors to re-don their mo-cap suits. However, it seems like Zoe is talking about a relatively significant period of pickup shots. Will Cameron have all of his alien-playing actors back on the stage for pickups some time in the next few months after her commitments on Bone Deep (which just started shooting this month) are fulfilled? Stay tuned to MarketSaw for the latest as we learn it!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

"Coraline" Budget Set At $75 Million - New Set Photos

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Fearnet has more exclusive set shots here!


Wow. It costs a lot to make a stop action movie in 3D. Well at least if it is done right and that is exactly what Henry Selick is known for - doing it right. 

It looks like CORALINE's budget is $75 million. Thats a lot of action! Let's take a look at some of the behind the scenes action below:

First Photo - Coraline on her home's steps.

Second Photo - Project plan for the CORALINE production shoot. MASSIVE!

Third Photo - Various replacement faces for Coraline as she shows emotion or speaks.

Coraline is slated for full release in February 2009 with a limited preview release this December. To view more behind the scenes CORALINE shots, check this out.

Photos courtesy of David Strick
Source: LA Times

Monday, September 15, 2008

Quick Post: WIRED Likes Our 3D Movie List And Dolby Drops Prices

My friend Betsy Schiffman over at WIRED has posted on their blog network that Dolby just dropped their prices for their rather expensive and reusable 3D glasses from $39 to $27.50 and then linked to yours truly and our upcoming 3D movie list.


How much of a splash will the Dolby price reduction have for theater owners remains to be seen, but with only one major player yet to confirm their intentions (I am not going to mention any names, but their initials are AMC) for their 3D projection technology, it seems a little late.

Both Cinemark and Regal opted for the rapidly growing Real D technology, as well as many others including NATO's Cinema Buyers Group of independant theater owners.

Full disclosure: Real D is a sponsor of MarketSaw.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

3D Geek Alert: Future Immersive 3D In A Cocoon?

I would love to have one of these in my living room! In a nutshell, the Immersive Cocoon surrounds a human body with a carbon fiber shell - a full 360o of 3D heaven.

A former fellow of MIT's media lab, John Underkoffler designed the software which uses the motions of human body parts to manipulate images - which in turn inspired how the movie "Minority Report" used hand gestures to move screens around.

Initially these units will be available for corporations only (due to the high cost I would imagine) and ultimately would be available in public locations like airports and private use.

Reminds me of a mini-holodeck! Heck, if it is properly done you could well explore exotic locations from the comfort of home. It doesn't hurt to imagine that this will be the future of gaming, working from home and home entertainment.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Quick Post: "My Bloody Valentine 3-D" Trailer to Ride With Saw 5

According to Moviehole, the trailer (2D mind you) for MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D will be shown before SAW 5 which is due for release on October 24th. There should also be some more images released soon too.


Great news. I have been waiting for something to finally show up in trailer format! Apparently MBV3D will hold its own on 2D screens as it is a kick ass movie first and foremost. Awesome! Hey there is quite a market for Saw movies isn't there? Market. Saw. Nevermind... :-)

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tony Stark in 3D? Jon Favreau Talking Iron Man 2 in Three Dimenions!

Awesome! Now THIS is a plan. Whether it was the first time I saw IRON MAN in the theaters or the fifth I was thinking the same thing: DAMN - this would look so cool in 3D. Well my wish may come true as Jon Favreau recently mused about the possibility with Collider. Yesterday they spoke with Jon after a press conference where he and Stan Lee (the man!) were promoting the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray:


"...it’s all about the cost, but if they can make it (3D) happen he’d like to do it. He talked about getting to see the armor in 3D and how cool it would be."

Favreau also spoke about loving THE DARK KNIGHT in IMAX and would consider shooting part of IRONMAN 2 in that format as well.

Let's make sure that you understand my exact position on Iron Man in 3D. Hell Yes.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

AVATAR Na'vi Unveiled? How The Heck Did We Miss This One??

WHOA. Thanks to reader "Hector" who sent in this this golden nugget:

"I can see a na'vi creature on the picture of the set, is right to the thing that has L8 written on it, and is close to the curtain. It has red hair, blue skin and seems very tall, it's visible just from waist up!"

Awesome find Hector! Jeez how did we miss that? The boys on the AVATAR production crew must be getting a laugh at our expense - but now we have a little something going on! I have also tried to enhance the image somewhat below - again, if someone with a better touch than I can enhance that shot - send it over! Again, the hi rez shot can be downloaded here (click 'download' above the image).

What do you guys make of this first ever glimpse of a Na'vi? Awesome or what? Finally a glimpse!! Click images for blow ups...

Is this a mannequin or a live actor walking out to The Volume? Is it male or female? Those look like breasts to me - or is it just the 'vest' sticking out? Now imagine it with a tail from this authenticated silhouette image. And Hector is right - this Na'vi is damn tall just as was thought from the original scriptment. Using the 8 foot ladder in front of the curtain as a reference - just follow the fold line on the curtain across to the Na'vi and it has got to be 8.5 feet to 9 feet tall!

It's looking pretty damn creepy! I don't know about you, but I am getting those familiar Bill Paxton "We’re all gonna die, game over man, game over." feelings about this one!

Tweedledee And Tweedledum Set For Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland"

Matt Lucas will portray Tweedledee and Tweedledum in Tim Burton's 3D adaption of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. You may remember him from SHAUN OF THE DEAD and his "Little Britain USA" is set to launch on September 28th for HBO.

For more ALICE IN WONDERLAND news from MarketSaw, check out our previous posts here.

Yep. That looks about right.

Source: Variety
Photo courtesy of PA.



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